Japanese Body Language

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Japanese Body Language

Introduction
Communicating with a Japanese can be very frustrating at times. If the
rapport hasn't been developed, they tend to communicate in brief, but
meaningful sentences, and a lot of times can be very ambiguous in their
answers or wants.
Introduction
Silence is more integrated in their customs as a form of communication
than compared to Western languages. Also, the Japanese tend to be
passive resistance. Knowledge of the Japanese body language will help
avoid misunderstandings between you and your Japanese interlocutor.
Eye contact
Making eye contact is considered rude, leads to discomfort, and can be
rated as a sign of aggression. When speaking to or approaching a
Japanese individual, make very brief eye contact to signal the person,
but then maintain appropriate eye level, such as the individual's neck.
Gestures
Several of the common gestures used by Japanese people are actually
quite different from the ones used in our country. Here is a picture guide
of the most commonly used gestures in Japan, along with their
meanings!
Me/ I
In Japan, this meaning is conveyed by putting your index finger to your
nose. This is how people indicate themselves, or ask “Me?”
Come Here
To gesture for someone to come to you, put your hand up with your
fingers down, and beckon for them to come! This can be done with one
or both hands.
Please
To make the gesture for “please”, put your hands together with your
fingers up as if you are praying. This gesture is used when asking for
something, or making a request.
Money
The Japanese gesture for money is a circle made with the thumb and
index finger, with the fingers out laying flat. The origins of this gesture
aren’t commonly known, but it does look a bit like a coin and some
bills!
No/Wrong
When Japanese people use their arms to make a big X across their chest,
that’s the gesture for wrong, or not allowed. If you answering a question
and the answer is wrong, you will definitely see this gesture.
Angry
If this gesture reminds you of a demon, then that’s right! In Japan, this
gesture is commonly used to express when someone is angry or
irritated. It’s supposed to resemble the horns of a little angry oni, which
is a demon!
I Don’t Know
To make the gesture for “I don’t know” in Japanese, tilt your head as if
you are thinking, and bring your closed fist up to your chin. Many
Western countries indicate that they are unsure of something by
shrugging their shoulders, but not really in Japan!
Excuse Me/ Coming Through
When passing through a crowd, or trying to walk by someone who is in
their path, Japanese people will lower their head and make this gesture
to indicate they are coming through.
Cute
The Japanese word for “cute” is one of the most-used words in the
entire language: “kawaii” is the Japanese word used to describe all
things cute. To make this gesture, point your fingers to the dimples of
your cheeks and smile.
Boyfriend/Girlfriend
This is a very Japanese gesture! When Japanese lightly refer to a
boyfriend or girlfriend, they often stick out their pinky finger and point
to it. This gesture indicates a lover or significant other!
Hello/Goodbye
This gesture is commonly used in many countries. Japanese people
often wave enthusiastically with two hands to convey hello or goodbye,
especially with close friends or family.
Conclusion
As we mentioned in the first place, your body
language speaks more loudly than you speak. I
highly recommend you to incorporate a body
language with your presentation. On the other
hand, a good body language can be hardly made
ad lib. That is one of the advanced techniques.
You may need to practice it while reading out
your script. However, if you present your speech
with a proper body language, your speech will be
persuasive and appealing. It’s worth taking time
to practice this. Please try it and make your
speech amazing.

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